In the early hours of New Year’s Day 2025, a four-bedroom house in Waiqele, Labasa, became the site of the Northern Division’s first fire of the year. The homeowners, Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad, were in New Zealand enjoying the holidays with family when they received the distressing news from a relative.
Ms. Devi mentioned that their caretaker was away for the New Year holiday, which left the home unprotected when the fire broke out around 3 a.m. “We are deeply grateful to our neighbor, who immediately contacted the National Fire Authority (NFA),” she said.
Despite facing challenges due to limited resources, the fire officers responded bravely to the situation. Mr. Prasad expressed gratitude for their efforts, highlighting the fact that they had only one water tank and dealt with a damaged hose while attempting to extinguish the flames. Unfortunately, the fire led to significant destruction, damaging two cars and partially affecting two vans.
The couple suspects arson, drawing attention to previous troubling incidents at their shop near the Waiqele Airport, including noted threats, stone-throwing, and an attempted break-in. “These events make us hopeful that the authorities will act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice,” Ms. Devi stated.
Though the estimated damage to their property is around $250,000, the family remains optimistic about the support they will receive in the wake of this tragedy. They have filed a police complaint, trusting that authorities will investigate thoroughly and help prevent future incidents like this.
Puamau Sowane, the CEO of the NFA, expressed his sympathy for the family and acknowledged the difficulties faced by firefighters due to the area’s lack of fire hydrants and accessible water sources. “The available water in the tank was fully utilized,” he noted, urging residents in remote areas to be especially cautious given their distance from fire stations.
Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that an investigation is underway and that they are waiting for the NFA report to determine the next steps. This incident marks the first fire reported in the Northern Division for 2025, highlighting the ongoing need for safety measures and community vigilance.
The family’s resilience and proactive approach in lodging a police complaint suggests a determination to rebuild and seek justice, signaling hope in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the crucial role of community support and quick response from emergency services in mitigating the impact of such devastating events.
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